Columbus Mother Arrested After Newborn Found in Dumpster

Columbus, GA – On September 2, 2025, at approximately 6:30 p.m., Columbus Police responded to the 3100 block of Victory Drive (Budgetel) after a newborn baby was discovered inside a dumpster. The infant was rushed to Piedmont Columbus Regional, where medical staff confirmed the child is in stable condition.

The Special Victims Unit immediately took over the case. Following their investigation, detectives arrested 22-year-old Zinnia Hernandez, the baby’s mother. Police say Hernandez admitted to giving birth and placing the newborn in the dumpster. She has been charged with Criminal Attempt Murder, Abandonment of a Child, Cruelty to Children in the First Degree, and Reckless Conduct.

Authorities stressed that Georgia’s Safe Haven Law allows a mother to legally and safely surrender an infant up to 30 days old at a hospital, police station, or fire station without facing criminal charges, as long as the baby is left with staff.

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact Sgt. B. Waldie at 706-225-4292 or bwaldie@columbusga.org.